How to Change Time on CCTV Cameras

If your security camera footage shows the wrong time, it could compromise investigations, confuse incident timelines, or even invalidate evidence in legal situations. Fortunately, learning how to change time on CCTV cameras is simpler than most users expect. The key insight: time settings are not adjusted on individual cameras but are instead controlled centrally through your DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder). This ensures all connected cameras remain synchronized. Whether you’re using a Camius, Security Camera King, or another brand, this guide delivers a complete, step-by-step process to update your system’s clock—manually or automatically—so every recorded event reflects accurate, reliable timestamps.

Access Your DVR/NVR System

Before adjusting the time, you must log into your recorder. Most systems support both local and remote access methods.

Connect via Monitor (Local Access)

For direct control during setup or troubleshooting:

Power on the DVR/NVR and connect it to a monitor using HDMI or VGA.
Attach a USB mouse and keyboard for easy navigation.
Wait for the live feed to load, then use the mouse to open the system menu.

This method is ideal when remote access fails or during initial installation.

Log In Remotely via Web Browser

To adjust time from anywhere:

Open Chrome, Edge, or Internet Explorer.
Type your DVR/NVR’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100) into the browser bar.
Enter your admin username and password.
Click Login to enter the configuration panel.

Tip: If you’ve forgotten the IP, check your router’s device list or use a manufacturer-provided search tool.

Many brands, like Camius, also offer mobile apps (e.g., Camius View) for remote configuration—ideal for quick checks.

Navigate to Date and Time Settings

Once logged in, locate the time configuration panel. While menu paths vary slightly by brand, the logic is consistent.

Find System Settings Menu

Common navigation paths include:

System > Settings > Date & Time
Configuration > System > Date/Time
System > General > Date and Time

Use your mouse or arrow keys to browse. If unsure, refer to your user manual or help section.

Select the Correct Time Zone

Under Time Zone, choose your region from the dropdown:

Example: “Eastern Standard Time” for New York
Example: “GMT+8” for Singapore

⚠️ Skipping this step often leads to hour-long errors—especially during daylight saving transitions.

Enable Daylight Saving Time (DST) if your region observes it. Most systems auto-adjust the clock when this is toggled on.

Choose Manual or Automatic Time Sync

You can set time manually or sync automatically using NTP. One offers control; the other ensures precision.

Set Time Manually (Static Mode)

Use this only if your recorder lacks internet access.

Steps to Enter Time by Hand

Disable NTP Client or Automatic Time Sync.
Input the current:
– Date (e.g., 04/05/2025)
– Time (e.g., 14:30)
Confirm format:
– Date: MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY (varies by region)
– Time: 12-hour or 24-hour format

❗ A common mistake: entering 03/04 as March 4 instead of April 3 due to format confusion.

After inputting, click Save. The system may reboot or refresh instantly.

Enable NTP Auto-Sync (Recommended)

For millisecond-level accuracy, use Network Time Protocol (NTP).

Add a Public NTP Server

Turn on NTP Client.
Enter a reliable server:
– pool.ntp.org (global, high-uptime)
– time.google.com (Google’s server)
– time.windows.com (Microsoft’s default)
Set sync frequency: Daily is standard; some systems allow hourly updates.

Ensure your recorder has internet access via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

✅ Pro Tip: Use us.pool.ntp.org for U.S. systems or eu.pool.ntp.org for Europe to reduce latency.

The system will automatically contact the server and correct the clock.

Fix Common Time Issues

Even after setup, problems can arise. Here’s how to resolve them quickly.

Time Resets After Power Loss

If your system shows Jan 1, 2000, or loses time on reboot:

Cause: Dead CMOS battery (like in a PC).
Fix: Open the DVR case and replace the CR2032 coin-cell battery.
Prevent: Enable NTP so time restores automatically after reboot.

One-Hour Time Difference

This usually indicates a DST misconfiguration.

Go to Date & Time > Daylight Saving.
Toggle Enable if clocks recently changed.
Confirm start/end dates match your country’s rules.

Cameras Show Different Times

In multi-recorder setups, mismatched time sources cause drift.

Ensure all DVRs/NVRs use the same NTP server.
Avoid mixing manual and automatic settings.
For enterprise systems, use an internal NTP server (e.g., on a domain controller).

NTP Fails to Sync

When automatic sync doesn’t work:

Check internet connection (some systems support ping tests).
Confirm UDP port 123 is open on your firewall/router.
Try an alternate server (e.g., switch from time.windows.com to pool.ntp.org).

🛠️ Some older systems require firmware updates to fix NTP bugs—check the manufacturer’s website.

Configure On-Screen Time Display (OSD)

Changing the actual time is one thing—ensuring it’s visible on video is another. Use OSD (On-Screen Display) to overlay timestamps.

Turn On Date and Time Overlay

Go to Configuration > Image > OSD Settings.
Select a camera or choose “All Channels.”
Enable:
– Date
– Time
– Weekday
– Camera Name

These appear as text on live and recorded footage.

Reposition Timestamp on Screen

Drag the OSD box to your preferred corner:

Top-left: Least intrusive
Bottom-right: Most common for visibility

Avoid placing it over critical areas like door handles or faces.

📌 Note: Renaming cameras in OSD improves identification but doesn’t affect system time.

Click Save to apply changes across selected channels.

Maintain Accurate Time Long-Term

Setting the clock once isn’t enough. Follow these practices to ensure lasting accuracy.

Verify Time Monthly

Compare your CCTV display with a trusted source (e.g., smartphone or time.gov).

Even NTP-synced systems can drift slightly.
Reboot if needed to force a resync.

Update Firmware Regularly

Manufacturers often improve time-handling in updates.

Check for updates under System > Maintenance > Upgrade.
Always back up settings before updating.

Replace Failing Internal Battery

Older DVRs may lose time due to weak RTC (Real-Time Clock) batteries.

Symptoms: Time resets every power cycle.
Fix: Replace the internal CR2032 battery.

For large installations, consider a centralized NTP server for full control.

Follow the Final Setup Checklist

Use this quick-reference list to ensure no step is missed.

Time Configuration Final Check

✅ Connected monitor or accessed system remotely
✅ Logged in with admin credentials
✅ Navigated to System > Settings > Date & Time
✅ Selected correct Time Zone
✅ Enabled Daylight Saving Time if needed
✅ Chose NTP Sync (preferred) or entered time manually
✅ Entered pool.ntp.org or another public server
✅ Clicked Save and waited for confirmation
✅ Verified correct time on live view
✅ Enabled Date/Time in OSD Settings
✅ Confirmed all cameras display accurate timestamp

🔁 After any change, review a short playback clip to confirm timestamp accuracy.

Why Accurate CCTV Time Matters

Beyond convenience, correct timestamps are critical for:

Legal evidence: Courts require verifiable, consistent timestamps.
Incident correlation: Sync with alarms, access logs, or POS systems.
Remote audits: Cloud footage must align with local operations.
Compliance: GDPR, HIPAA, and other standards demand reliable logging.

A single hour’s discrepancy can misplace an event entirely.

“Accurate date and time settings are essential for maintaining the integrity of your surveillance footage.” — Camius Guide

Summary: Best Practices for Time Management

Always use NTP when internet is available.
Set time zone first, then enable DST.
Check all cameras post-configuration.
Label IP addresses and passwords for future access.
Train staff on time verification procedures.
Avoid manual entry unless absolutely necessary.

By following these steps, you ensure your CCTV system remains a trustworthy, accurate record of events—exactly as it should be.

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